The Death of the Old Man: A Prelude to the Rising of the New

In the intricate tapestry of spiritual rebirth, there exists a profound paradox: in order for the new man to emerge, the old must first pass away. It’s an allegory not of despair but of hope, a testament to the transformative power of God's grace.

The Scripture's Testament to Transformation

In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul encapsulates this process of spiritual metamorphosis, exhorting believers to, “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Here, the Apostle Paul is drawing a vivid contrast between the corrupt nature of the old man and the divine nature of the new man. The old self is symbolic of our life before encountering Christ—ensnared in sin, driven by worldly desires, and distant from God's purpose. The new self, however, is reflective of God's image, resplendent in righteousness and holiness.

Why Must the Old Man Die?

The death of the old man is an essential precursor to the birth of the new for several reasons:

1. Purity of Purpose: As Romans 6:6 declares, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” The crucifixion of the old self breaks the shackles of sin, allowing us to walk in the freedom of God's purpose.

2. Divine Design: Colossians 3:9-10 tells us to “...put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Our Creator's design isn't for us to remain stagnant but to grow, evolve, and be continuously shaped in His likeness.

3. Spiritual Elevation: 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This is not mere poetic expression but a tangible elevation from our past spiritual state to a new plane of existence in Christ.

The Process of Renewal

Dying to the old self is not a singular event but an ongoing process. It's a daily surrender, a conscious effort to turn away from our old ways and constantly realign our lives with God's will.

Galatians 2:20 poetically captures this, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Conclusion

In the grand opera of spiritual rebirth, the death of the old man sets the stage for the new man's rise—a manifestation of God's transformative love. It serves as a poignant reminder that in the kingdom of God, endings are but precursors to glorious beginnings.

As disciples of the GoChrist movement, let us be ever mindful of this process, daily surrendering our old ways, and rising renewed, refashioned, and reborn in the image of our Creator.